ladies only- endometrial ablation- anyone gone through this?

[almburr]

I am considering this procedure to end my horrible horrible periods. were done having kids, we have 5 (3 were c-sec's), and my tubes are tied. Dont want to go through other types of hysterctomy's.

I saw the specialist and she said I was a good canidate for this procedure.

Wondering if any of you ladies out there have gone through this, and what your experience was?

 

[Lanshark]

I had one and it worked wonderfully. I didn't have any problems. If you have specific questions PM me.

 

[WDW~Lover]

I have had trouble all my adult life..then I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. They did this to me during my surgery. I have always had extremely painful periods, now it is ten times WORSE! I had a cyroablation (sp) done and have maybe 2 days of the month free of any stomach issues!

But that is me, I wanted the Hysto when they were doing surgery but they could not do it, not knowing how the cancer had spread.

Now they want me to have one.....ya right!

good luck with your decision. I wish I had the choice. I would have declined.

 

[minkydog]

I had endometrial ablation about 5 yrs ago and it changed my life. I had such terrible bleeding each month that I was chronically anemic. Even taking double iron daily couln't keep my hemaglobin above 10, and much of the time I was around 7. My doctor gave me the choice of hysterectomy or ablation, so I elected to take the less invasive measure with the option to do a hyst later if it didn't work.

I have never regretted it. I went from neary homebound for 5 days a month and planning my entire life around the cycle, to doing whatever I want whenever i want. After 2 months I was no longer anemic and I had more energy than I had had in years. I only wish I hadn't waited so long. It has been nothing short of a miracle for me.

 

[HamTown]

My mom had a hysterectomy about 10 years ago. Ablation was a relatively new procedure then (at least where she lives). She wishes she had done ablation. Her periods were horrible and her hemoglobin stayed below 10 all the time. The hysterectomy did help with all that, but it really created more problems hormonally.

If and when I get there (thanks mom for the genes) I will definitely try ablation first!

 

[CathrynRose]

I had NovaSure done in March 2007. Absolute best decision I have ever made.

 

[JESW]

I had the ablation done a couple years back and it wasn't too bad. But I still had pain (not heavy bleeding) so went in for a laproscopic hysterectomy back on 2/28/08 and it wasn't bad at all - I had a uterine fibroid. Had the uterus and one ovary taken away. Discomfort I had before is GONE....wish I had done it sooner!

Jill

 

[luvavacation]

I had this done in February. I was put under in the hospital, because during the preliminary procedure to check the uterus for fibroids (for the life of me, I can't remember the name of it!), the pain was very intense, and it was decided that putting me out for the ablation would be best. I was glad, and have heard that if you have the option, do choose to be put under for the procedure.

That said, complete recover lasted about one month, the painful cramping only lasted about 2 days, I just could not ditch the pantiliner for one month. Since then, nothing by way of a period, yippee!

What the doctors forget to mention, though, is that you will still ovulate, and you will still have PMS, you just won't have the period as it was before. So, while my bad periods are over, the painful ovulation and bad PMS are still present, but I am not miserable for as long as I was before.

Either way, I am glad I had the procedure done, but do remember, when you are told to take it easy for a couple of days, do so, no matter if you feel better, because sudden movements can still feel bad (at times, I felt as if a scab in my uterus was being ripped and pulled when I would stretch and turn, so avoid that if possible! sorry if TMI!). After a month or so, you will feel wonderful!

 

[petrymom]

I had the novasure done in August of 2006! I have never regretted it. I have not had a period since. A lot of the time, I am not even sure where I am in my cycle.

The first few weeks was kind of icky with the healing, but SO worth it.

 

[almburr]

Thanks for all info. Right now ive been put on the pill and dont take the placebo pill just go right to a new pack. I dont like periods in summer.

I think i'll schedule the procedure for after summer mainly because I manage local pool, and im a lifeguard and swim team coach. All this starts in 2weeks.

I didnt realize recovery was that long. I thought only a day! then I would be ok.

Another question. Can you use a tampon after the procedure?

 

[CathrynRose]

Thanks for all info. Right now ive been put on the pill and dont take the placebo pill just go right to a new pack. I dont like periods in summer.

I think i'll schedule the procedure for after summer mainly because I manage local pool, and im a lifeguard and swim team coach. All this starts in 2weeks.

I didnt realize recovery was that long. I thought only a day! then I would be ok.

Another question. Can you use a tampon after the procedure?

You cannot use a tampon right after the procedure.

Your recovery could be pretty long. I bled for quite awhile.

ALSO - many people mentioned no periods afterwards, I still get mine. Its totally light and manageable - but I have a period.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Not the OP, but thanks to everyone sharing the info. My DSis is having this done on June 18th and I had never heard of this before. Its sounds like it will solve her problems. Thanks again!!

 

[robertsmom]

I have horrible, horrible periods, and I've thought about this a lot. The bottom line for me thought is that I'm not quite ready to shut the door on the possibility of having another child. In a few years, I might feel differently.

 

[powellrj]

I had it done 11 years ago and while it was great for awhile, it didn't last forever. I wish I would have had a hysterectomy instead because while they aren't as heavy as they use to be, they now last for days and days and days. They are longer and lighter.

Like I said, it was 11 or 12 years ago so it may be better now than when I had it done. Another thing, they sent me back to work the next day, BIG mistake. I really needed at least the weekend to recover.

 

[almburr]

You cannot use a tampon right after the procedure.

Your recovery could be pretty long. I bled for quite awhile.

ALSO - many people mentioned no periods afterwards, I still get mine. Its totally light and manageable - but I have a period.

I had 3 c-sections, will recovery be compareable to that?

You say you still have a period, how long and how heavy?

Sorry to ask such a personal Q, just trying to find all the info.

 

[Yacht Club Family]

Just had this done last Friday (May 9th). Due to very heavy bleeding and hemoglobin that didn't get above 7.4 in 4 months (and as low as 5 something at times), and extremely bad cramping, I had a hysteroscopy, removal of several fibroids, Essure sterilization and the saline ablation. I've had some cramping, but no bleeding at this point. I did get nauseous after surgery (general), but otherwise nothing an ibuprofen couldn't handle. Since I don't know the complete outcome yet, I'll just say that I'm optimistic at this point and that almost anything would be an improvement to being confined at home 5-6 days each month and feeling flat out exhausted the rest of the time. I won't even mind if I continue to have lighter periods if only the pain and severity of them are improved and I can start to rebuild hemoglobin levels.

Keeping my fingers crossed and wishing the best of luck to all those who decide on the procedure.

 

[powellrj]

I had 3 c-sections, will recovery be compareable to that?

You say you still have a period, how long and how heavy?

Sorry to ask such a personal Q, just trying to find all the info.

I'm not the op, but I can answer your questions.

I also had 3 c-sections and this is nothing like those. I went in on a Friday morning and was home by noon. I had wanted to take the weekend off but the doctor said it wasn't necessary. It would have been nice. I had the type of job I was on my feet all the next day and unloaded a truck. I really needed those few extra days off. Unless you are unloading a truck, you should be better the next day.

I still had periods. In the beginning they were much lighter and shorter, but as the years have passed they have gotten longer and heavier. They are nothing like they were before, but they are still not the light ones I was expecting.

I had mine done after the birth of my DD and she is almost 12, so maybe its better now than when I had it done. I would have it done again, but I would also lower my expectation of no more periods.